Can a routine blood test detect whooping cough?

Written by Zeng Hai Jiang

Pediatrics

Updated on April 17, 2025

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Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis infection, commonly seen in children. The main symptoms are paroxysmal spasmodic coughing and a crowing inspiratory whoop. The disease has a long course and may be complicated by pneumonia, neurological diseases, and others. The diagnosis of the disease mainly relies on the cultivation of Bordetella pertussis, detection of Bordetella pertussis DNA, and testing for pertussis toxin antibodies. In this disease, the routine blood test will also show a significant increase in the white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, and white blood cell differential.

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

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What causes whooping cough?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory infectious disease primarily caused by the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. It is contagious and has a prolonged course, often leading to paroxysmal spasmodic coughing. It is commonly seen in infants and spreads through airborne droplets and close contact. The disease is generally prevented through vaccination. It has been included in the national free vaccination program, with babies receiving injections at three, four, and five months of age as part of their basic immunization, followed by a booster shot after the age of two. Once antibodies are produced, they can effectively prevent the disease.

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

41sec

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Does whooping cough require isolation?

Pertussis, this contagious disease, once diagnosed, requires isolation to prevent infection to healthy children or even adults with low immunity. It is necessary to provide an isolated room for the child, and attention should be paid to indoor ventilation, appropriate temperature, frequent cleaning and sunning of clothes and bedding, ensuring adequate and good sleep, and maintaining clean, ventilated air indoors. Dietary adjustments should also be made, avoiding too cold, spicy, or acidic foods. Timely selection of sensitive antibacterial drugs and cough suppressants can help alleviate symptoms of coughing and wheezing.

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

38sec

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How to treat recurrent pertussis?

For recurrent whooping cough, it is crucial to promptly and adequately select sensitive antimicrobial drugs according to the treatment course. Generally, macrolide antibiotics or amide antibiotics can be used for anti-inflammatory treatment. Also, drink more water and avoid overly spicy, greasy foods. If the patient is weak and has low immunity, transfer factors or splenopentin can be chosen to enhance the body's passive immunity. Regular outdoor exercise should be engaged in, and the diet should be nutritionally balanced with less snacking and more consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits.

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

38sec

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Can whooping cough heal on its own?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can recover on its own if the viral load is low and symptoms are mild. However, if symptoms are more typical and accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, and paroxysmal convulsive coughing, it generally cannot recover without medical help and requires a combination of sensitive antibiotics and symptomatic treatment. Common choices include macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin. If there are symptoms of respiratory difficulty, oxygen inhalation can be used to alleviate the signs of mucosal hypoxia.

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

40sec

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Can whooping cough be cured?

Whooping cough can be cured. First, it is important to have a correct understanding, avoid mental tension, and not be under too much mental stress. This disease is a respiratory infectious disease and predominantly occurs in children under five years old, with a high occurrence rate in the autumn and winter seasons. The main typical symptoms include paroxysmal, cluster-like coughing. The early stages of the disease resemble common cold symptoms, with occurrences like runny nose, sneezing, and tearing up. Generally, after about a week, rapid, paroxysmal coughing occurs, and some coughs may sound like a dog barking, also known as a bark-like cough.